In this Issue of C.O. Local BUZZ…

🤔Trivia Question ANSWER

🌄 Bend, OR Weather

📰 Local News - What’s a Happening?

⚖️Bend Repeat Offender Sentenced to More Than 12 Years Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine and a Firearm

🏘️Redmond Bethlehem Inn sees more success after reopening with transitional model

📰Over $10 million headed to Central Oregon for affordable housing projects

📰County Commissioners to Host Public Hearing on Planning Division Work Plan

📰Crime News

🚨Prineville Man Arrested, Items Recovered During Theft Investigation

🏘️🏘️ Real Estate News

📰Central Oregon Market Report | May 8, 2024 by Reed Melton

🏘️Active Listings

💲10 most expensive homes sold in central Oregon, April 29 - May 5

📰 Community News

👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️County honors its nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6 to May 12

📰An Evening with Randy and Mary Travis - Stroke Awareness Event

😁 MEME of the Day

📅 Lots and LOTS of Events

What historical event occurred at Redmond's Roberts Field during World War II?

A) It served as a training base for pilots.

B) It was a temporary internment camp.

C) It was a key supply depot.

D) It hosted a summit for war strategists.

Answer: A) It served as a training base for pilots.

During World War II, Roberts Field in Redmond was used as a training base for pilots, playing a pivotal role in preparing aircrews for the war.

BEND

  Bend Repeat Offender Sentenced to More Than 12 Years Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Methamphetamine and a Firearm

EUGENE, Ore.—A Bend, Oregon man with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison today for possessing methamphetamine and a firearm.

Dana Lee Johnson, 41, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, on March 26, 2021, a deputy from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Tetherow Resort in Bend after a housekeeper found a bag of suspected drugs in a guest room. Upon arrival, the deputy located a one-gallon plastic bag containing approximately one quarter pound of methamphetamine, two hypodermic needles, and a metal safe. The safe was later found to contain an additional half pound of methamphetamine. Hotel records indicated that Johnson, who had a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding felony warrant for failing to register as a sex offender, was the last guest to stay in the room where the drugs were found.

On April 1, 2021, a deputy returned to the resort after learning that Johnson had contacted the hotel to inquire about the safe he had left behind. One week later, on April 8, 2021, law enforcement officers located and stopped Johnson traveling in a rental vehicle. Investigators searched the vehicle and found more than $7,000 in cash, a rental car agreement in Johnson’s name, and a black backpack belonging to Johnson. Inside the backpack, investigators found and seized an additional half pound of methamphetamine, nearly a half pound of heroin, and a loaded semi-automatic pistol.

On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Johnson with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

On October 11, 2023, Johnson pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team (CODE) with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

The CODE team is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. CODE includes members of the Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, Sunriver, and Black Butte Police Departments; the Warm Springs Tribal Police Department; the Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson County Sheriff and District Attorney’s Offices; the Oregon State Police; the Oregon National Guard; DEA; and the FBI.

Redmond Bethlehem Inn sees more success after reopening with transitional model

Peyton Thomas, Reporter Central Oregon Daily News

The re-opened Redmond Bethlehem Inn is lifting people out of homelessness, permanently, under its reimagined model.

Residents can now stay longer while they apply for multiple housing programs.

“It's actually a pretty big relief off my shoulder for the housing incentives as a longer program,” Emilio Sanchez said.

The Inn previously saw less demand as a high-barrier emergency shelter, so it closed back in October, opening its doors again in December to try something different.

“We're seeing about five of seven people leaving to permanent housing,” said Michael Hancock, program and operations director, Bethlehem Inn. "We have fewer beds now than we had there, but we're actually serving the same number of folks.”

The new facility can accommodate up to 30 people at a time. Sanchez says he has the stability he needs to secure his very first home.

“If this program wasn't here for me, I'd be back on the streets, that's where I was at for a while," he said. "This place, it's giving me hope again.”

Before Bethlehem Inn, Sanchez was homeless for nearly a year. Now he says he’s very close to finding his permanent residence through Housing Works.

“I've never really had my own house," he said. "It'll be a big change in life.”

The program’s success stems from its accountability, which includes community involvement and weekly case management meetings.

“Watching somebody actually pull out of that cycle, that's keeping them trapped in homelessness. It's remarkable,” Hancock said.

Sanchez says thanks to the program, he doesn't expect to ever be homeless again.

The Bethlehem Inn is still a high-barrier shelter, meaning in order be in the program you must adhere to several qualifications, such as maintaining a sober lifestyle.

Over $10 million headed to Central Oregon for affordable housing projects

By Isabella Warren KTVZ

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ)-- This week, over $10 million was brought into Central Oregon to build new affordable housing. In Sisters, Habitat for Humanity received over $4 million to help build 24 new units.

"It's a wide swath of people that are stuck in that scenario where they cannot afford to buy a house. We're going to make that opportunity available to these vital members of our community," Peter Hoover, executive director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity, said Thursday.

A total of $23 million in projects were approved across the state as part of the LIFT (Local Innovation and Fast Track) homeownership program, it was started in 2017 to fund more affordable housing developments.

A lottery system will be used to determine homeowners. Those who make 80% AMI (Area Median Income), or about $70,000 to $80,000 a year. In Sisters, an average home costs nearly $800,000 -- more than double the national average.

"What has happened in Sisters is that within the last three or so years, the median home price has gone up over 70%. And that has just priced out people who are vital members of our community out of the possibility of buying homes," Hoover said.

Five units will be built in the Woodlands area in Sisters, and another 19 will be built off Adams Avenue.

Bend state Rep. Emerson Levy worked on the grant, as Central Oregon is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state.

"Central Oregon, is having a housing crisis, and our prices are almost more expensive than anywhere else in the state, but we're also prepared and we work collaboratively and we're ready to take this money and do something with it," Levy said Thursday.

The grant money will fund homes beyond Sisters, as a total of 77 units will be built across Central Oregon.

Bend-Redmond Habitat for Humanity received $1.45 million for 13 units. RootedHomes was awarded nearly 5 million for 40 houses.

"Some of these homes, the lottery price will be around $200,000," Levy said. "So do we want our teachers to be able to stay here? Do we want our nurses to be able to live and work in our community? That's a policy choice, and I'm glad it's a policy choice that we've made together as a community."

The post Over $10 million headed to Central Oregon for affordable housing projects appeared first on KTVZ .

County Commissioners to Host Public Hearing on Planning Division Work Plan

On Wednesday, May 15, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners will host a public hearing to seek community input on the County Planning Division’s Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2024-25.  The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and will be held at the Deschutes Services Building which is located at 1300 NW Wall St. in Bend. Remote online options will also be available.

“Public input shapes the Planning Division’s work plan each year. It really makes a difference to hear from residents,” said Community Development Director Peter Gutowsky.

The Deschutes County Planning Division encompasses two operational areas: Current and Long-Range Planning. Current Planning processes individual land use applications and provides information to the public on all land use related issues. Long Range Planning addresses the future needs of the county through updates to the comprehensive plan, changes to the county code and other special projects. Thirteen staff support the division’s work.

The Work Plan outlines CDD’s anticipated projects and goals for the coming year, including the following highlights:

• Sustaining high customer service levels while adjusting to staff retention and recruitment challenges.

• Addressing housing opportunities through collaboration with cities, our county’s property manager, and exploring rural housing strategies as allowed by State law.

• Initiating the Newberry Country Plan Update.

• Amending Deschutes County Code to comply with HB 3197, Clear and Objective Standards for Housing.

• Coordinating with Bend, Redmond, Sisters and La Pine on growth management projects, including comprehensive plan updates and urban growth boundary amendments.     

For more information about the work plan process or the public hearing, please call (541) 385-1709. Written feedback about the draft Work Plan can be submitted via email to [email protected].   

Weekly Road and Traffic Report for the Week of April May 6th to May 12th Bend

Weekly Road Construction Update Week of April May 5th to May 11th Deschutes County

ODOT - Region 4 Weekly Construction Update May 3, 2024 to May 10th, 2024

Prineville Man Arrested, Items Recovered During Theft Investigation

Posted by KBND News

PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County deputies arrested a Prineville man this week, as part of an ongoing theft investigation. In April, tools, motorcycles, tractors and other vehicles, valued at more than $10,000, were taken from a remote property.

Deputies executed a search warrant on Tuesday at a property on SE Palm Lane. Among other items, they discovered a gun and arrested 36-year-old Miguel Martinez for being a felon in possession of a firearm. They also recovered a gooseneck trailer reported stolen from Lake County (pictured).

A second search was done the next day at a property on SW Redwood Lane, where deputies found many of the items taken in the April burglary. No other arrests were made, but authorities say they are still investigating. 

Central Oregon Market Report | May 8, 2024

By Reed Melton

As we approach peak season, the inventory of single-family homes in all three counties of Central Oregon increased this week. Deschutes County added 45 new listings, Crook County added 7, and Jefferson County's inventory grew by 3. With more options for buyers, pending sales are solid, and the market activity is palatable. While the Federal Reserve may have left rates untouched, reiterating the intention of holding rates higher for longer, Jerome Powell couldn't resist sneaking in some dovish tones in the form of decreased monthly bond sales from its balance sheet from $60B/month to $25B/month, a 58% reduction. The reduction of quantitative tightening from decreased bond roll-off is, in essence, quantitative easing, and Wall Street responded with increases in the stock market and bond yields dropping. This morning, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 7.19%, with the 10-year Treasury at 4.489%. The defacto quantitative easing orchestrated by the Fed and the Treasury Department essentially waves the white flag on inflation. How much mortgage rates decline remains to be seen, but mortgage rates dipping below 7% will undoubtedly spur activity in the housing market.

This week, pending sales in Deschutes County were sixty-eight, with the median days on the market at eighteen. The median pending sale price was $664,500, and the average was 808k, decreasing from the previous week. Sold homes show a significant decrease at 52, compared to 103 last week, with thirteen median days on the market and a median sale price of $714,500, just $500 less than last week. The median price per square foot of closed sales was $364. While I track price per square foot weekly, I rarely refer to these numbers as the wide variety of homes sold each week changes the number dramatically from house to house. The price per square foot is considerably more meaningful for condos in the same complex, townhomes, or new-construction subdivisions. However, it still isn't my preferred method for evaluating properties. 

Eight pending sales in Crook County reflect a significant decline from the previous week's seventeen and median days on the market of 111. However, three of the eight pending sales were in the Powell Butte area and at higher price points, increasing the median pending sale price significantly from last week to 674k. Closed sales remained strong, with ten this week, and the median sale price was a significant increase over last week at 640k. 

Jefferson County's pending sales increased to eight this week from three last week, with only ten median days on the market and a median pending sale price of 385k. Five properties closed in the county this week, with a median price of 425k and 100 days on the market. The median price reduction for pending sales was -8.21% and -6.94% for the closed properties, but only two homes in each category reduced the price. Two of the five sales in Jefferson County accepted offers above the asking price. Trends are the most critical metric in smaller Jefferson County compared to median price changes because of the smaller data pool. This week, a sold property closed at 21.7% above the asking price, making the median price reduction of all sales a misleading number. 

The increased inventory gives buyers more options, and sales remain strong relative to lending costs. With the median sale price reduction in Deschutes County at a paltry 3.19% and in Crook County at 2.27%, sellers are getting very near the asking price. The low days on the market for sold properties indicate strong buyer demand. 

The most marketable properties hit the market in late spring, leading up to peak season, and knowledgeable buyers are jumping on those opportunities. If inventory continues to build, there is a chance for some great opportunities this fall for properties that missed a buyer over the summer. However, what happens with mortgage rates will have a significant impact. Most buyers in Central Oregon over the last few years will tell you the biggest challenge was finding the right property, not price. The influx of sellers today is creating many good options, and to date, mortgage rates have been operating in a relatively narrow margin consistent with the last several months. I expect continued strength in the Central Oregon housing market through summer. 

Click here for the full report.

Active Listings

10 most expensive homes sold in central Oregon, April 29 - May 5

By Real Estate Newswire

A house in Bend that sold for $2.5 million tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in central Oregon in the past week.

In total, 77 residential real estate sales were recorded in the area during the past week, with an average price of $681,494, or $378 per square foot.

The prices in the list below concern real estate sales where the title was recorded during the week of April 29 even if the property may have been sold earlier.

10. $1.1 million, single-family house at 58184 McNary Lane

The property at 58184 McNary Lane in Bend has new owners. The price was $1,050,000. The house was built in 1987 and has a living area of 2,296 square feet. The price per square foot is $457. The deal was finalized on April 19.

9. $1.2 million, single-family home at 2361 N.W. Drouillard Ave.

The property at 2361 N.W. Drouillard Ave. in Bend has new owners. The price was $1,200,000. The house was built in 2018 and has a living area of 1,811 square feet. The price per square foot is $663. The deal was finalized on April 22.

8. $1.2 million, single-family residence at 3534 N.W. McCready Drive

A sale has been finalized for the detached house at 3534 N.W. McCready Drive in Bend. The price was $1,240,200 and the new owners took over the house in April. The house was built in 1998 and the living area totals 2,441 square feet. The price per square foot ended up at $508. The deal was finalized on April 23.

7. $1.3 million, single-family home at 62654 N.W. Mt Thielsen Drive

The sale of the single family residence at 62654 N.W. Mt Thielsen Drive in Bend has been finalized. The price was $1,250,000, and the new owners took over the house in April. The house was built in 2016 and has a living area of 2,171 square feet. The price per square foot was $576. The deal was finalized on April 23.

6. $1.4 million, single-family residence at 676 N.W. Powell Butte Loop

The sale of the single-family house at 676 N.W. Powell Butte Loop, Bend, has been finalized. The price was $1,385,000, and the house changed hands in April. The house was built in 2003 and has a living area of 3,753 square feet. The price per square foot was $369. The deal was finalized on April 19.

5. $1.5 million, single-family house at 19372 Alianna Loop

The 2,757 square-foot single-family house at 19372 Alianna Loop, Bend, has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,500,000, $544 per square foot. The house was built in 2018. The deal was finalized on April 17.

4. $1.8 million, single-family residence at 15249 S.W. Hat Rock Loop

The 3,393 square-foot single-family house at 15249 S.W. Hat Rock Loop in Powell Butte has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $1,795,000, $529 per square foot. The house was built in 2019. The deal was finalized on April 24.

3. $2 million, single-family home at 15141 S.W. Hope Vista Drive

The property at 15141 S.W. Hope Vista Drive in Powell Butte has new owners. The price was $2,013,775. The house was built in 2007 and has a living area of 6,726 square feet. The price per square foot is $299. The deal was finalized on April 19.2. $2.2 million, single-family house at 19448 Green Lakes Loop

The 3,020 square-foot detached house at 19448 Green Lakes Loop in Bend has been sold. The transfer of ownership was settled in April and the total purchase price was $2,174,000, $720 per square foot. The house was built in 2005. The deal was finalized on April 22.

1. $2.5 million, single-family house at 20660 Sunbeam Lane

The property at 20660 Sunbeam Lane in Bend has new owners. The price was $2,525,000. The house was built in 1999 and has a living area of 4,334 square feet. The price per square foot is $583. The deal was finalized on April 23.

Real Estate Newswire is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to generate analysis of data from Propmix, an aggregator of national real-estate data.

County honors its nurses during National Nurses Week, May 6 to May 12

Monday, May 6 through Sunday, May 12 is designated as National Nurses Week, and we want to recognize the dozens of nurses who work for the Deschutes County Health Services Department.

From reproductive health, immunizations, and support for new moms and babies, to communicable disease investigation, behavioral health, outreach and field work, and community partner training, County nurses play a vital role in the health and well-being of our community.

We invite you to watch this video to hear some of our nurses explain what they do and why they do it. You can also learn more about Deschutes County Health Services at https://www.deschutes.org/health.

Stroke Awareness Special Event

Stroke Awareness Oregon is honored to present an uplifting evening with Country Music and Grammy Awards winner Randy Travis and his wife, Mary on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Westside Church in Bend. After Randy's life-changing stroke in 2013, the couple will share their powerful story of loss, hope, faith, and resilience to raise funds for Stroke Awareness Oregon.

This is not a concert, but rather an inspirational experience hearing directly from Randy and Mary Travis about their personal journey. The event will begin at 7:00pm with opening music from local rock band Soul Benders led by Steve Boatwright, who has toured with renowned acts like Santana, Stevie Nicks, and Chuck Berry.

A special highlight of the evening will be a live auction of a Breedlove guitar autographed by the Travis'. Stroke Awareness Oregon is thrilled to be hosting this event at the Westside Church on Newport Avenue in Bend. Their state of the art facility has modern technology and lighting for this incredible event and lots of seating to accommodate all who wish to attend. The spacious atrium will make checking in comfortable and hassle free. There is ample parking with easy access, handicapped facilities and wheelchair accommodations. We appreciate the sponsorship of Westside Church for this important event.

🎟️ Get Your Tickets: 🎟️Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from Randy and Mary Travis in person. Reserve your seat today and be part of an evening filled with music, inspiration, and heartfelt conversation.
Location: 2051 NW Shevlin Park Rd. Bend, Oregon 97703
Date: Monday, May 13th, 2024
Time: 7:00-9:00 pm Pacific Time | Admission will begin at 6:00pm Pacific Time
Ticket Sales are tax deductible - All proceeds benefiting Stroke Awareness Oregon 501(c)(3)

Date

May 13, 2024

Time

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Sponsored By Enjoy Bend Life Real Estate

What’s Up Central Oregon 

In addition top performing at over 500 theaters and faith based events, Amy Barnes has numerous national TV appearances from Comedy Central to National Lampoon. This engineer turned comedian was selected as one of the new faces of comedy at the Montreal International Comedy Festival and from that point on she has entertained sold out shows all across America. Her stand-up connects with a cross generational relevance, her audience interaction tethers strangers with that one of a kind experience and her singing takes her shows to the next level of live performance. A quick witted stand-up comic with an amazing voice will leave you feeling like you reconnected with an old friend.
Join us on May 10th at 6:30 pm for a fun night of comedy and dessert.

Friday May 10th

Wild Bird Market @ The Commons Cafe and Taproom 11AM - 4PM

Opening Day Big Meadow Golf Course @ Black Butte Ranch

Mother's Day 'Rosé And Roses" Featured Flight @  FLIGHTS WINE BAR & RESTAURANT 3PM - 9PM

Van Duzer Wine Tasting @ Portello Wine Cafe 4PM - 6:30PM

CROOKED RIVER CALDERA DARK SKIES WEEKEND @ @Wanderlust Tours Prineville $$$

Family Movie Night @ Craft Kitchen & Brewery 6PM - 8PM

Free Live Music: Desert Wheelhouse At Bend Brewing Company @ Bend Brewing Co 6PM - 8PM

Summer Scents: Perfume Making for Beginners at Juniper Preserve @ Juniper Preserve 6PM - 8PM

Live at the Vineyard: Grits n' Gravy ... Come for some GREAT music! @ Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards 6PM - 8PM

Dream BIG: A Night of Generosity Benefiting Destination Rehab @ Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 6:30PM - 9PM

Anna Moss with The Nightshades, Ian George Opens @ The Belfry 7PM

Little Shop Of Horrors @ Tower Theatre 7:30PM - 9:30PM

The May Market in Sisters - May 10th - May 11th @ Pole Creek Ranch 10AM - 4PM

Saturday May 11th

Birding For Breakfast @ High Desert Museum 7AM - 9AM

Mama + Baby Birds Walk for Kids @ Camp Polk Meadow Preserve 9AM - 11AM

COTA Trail Love @ Cascade View Trailhead 9AM - 2PM

2024 Happy Girls Bend Run @ 799 Southwest Columbia Street 9AM - 1PM

Central Oregon Taco Fest @ Old Mill District 10AM - 10PM

Treat Yo' Mama @ River's Place 12PM - 5PM

Wild & Textured Floral Bouquets for Mother's Day @ Juniper Preserve 2PM - 4PM

Book Signing with Sandy Grubb @ Roundabout Books 2PM - 3PM

Bend Moonlight Market @ Open Space Event Studios 3PM - 11PM

Second Saturday At The Gallery @ Artists' Gallery Sunriver Village 4PM - 6PM

A Midsummer Nights Dream @ Mountain View High School 6PM - 8PM

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest @ Cascades Theatrical Co 7:30PM

The Weather Machine with Travis Ehresnstrom @ The Belfry 8PM

2nd Annual Reggae House Party May 10th - May 11th @ Bunk+Brew Historic Lucas House 12PM -10PM

10 Year Anniversary Party! @ Wild Ride Brewing 3PM - 9PM

Sunday May 12th

Jazz Brunch - Fluffalove @ Currents at the Riverhouse 10AM - 1PM

Mother’s Day Celebration @ Tetherow 12PM - 8PM

Mother’s Day Weekend  May 11th - May 12th @ Schilling's Garden Market - Open for the season! 

Mother’s Day Brunch @ Monkless Belgian Ales 10AM - 2PM

Mother’s Day Brunch @ 916 Northwest Wall Street 10AM - 2PM

Mother’s Day Brunch @ Roam 7AM - 2PM

Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet @ Currents at the Riverhouse 10AM - 2PM

3rd Annual Mother’s Day Celebration @ Boss Rambler Beer Club 10AM - 1PM

Mother’s Day Brunch @ Twin Lakes Resort 10AM - 2PM

Open Mic Night @ Silver Moon Brewing 5PM - 7PM

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